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<h1 class="gmail-reader-title">Post July 11, USAID presses on with Cuba projects – Cuba Money Project</h1>
<div class="gmail-credits gmail-reader-credits">Tracey Eaton - July 20, 2021<br></div>
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<div class="gmail-moz-reader-content gmail-reader-show-element"><div id="gmail-readability-page-1" class="gmail-page"><div><p>The
U.S. Agency for International Development today said it wasn’t changing
its latest grant offering in response to the wave of protests in Cuba.<br>
“There are no plans to amend the original scope or objectives of the NOFO (<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iXcF8kVbIVE_pM1y94Xt-8iSsjP_Lgi2/view?usp=sharing">Notice of Funding Opportunity</a>)
in response to recent events in Cuba,” the agency said. However,
“applicants should take the current political situation into account
when designing proposed activities.”<br>
USAID on June 30 had <a href="https://cubamoneyproject.com/2021/07/03/usaid-5/">announced</a>
it was offering up to $2 million democracy-promotion projects. Grants
will range from $500,000 to $1 million each. The agency said it expected
applicants to “identify unrecognized and unmet needs of Cuban civil
society in its pursuit of human rights and democratic values.” The
application deadline is 5 p.m. July 30.<br>
Prospective bidders have submitted three dozen questions about the
funding opportunity. One question discussed the logistics of giving
microgrants to artists on the island. USAID replied, “Applicants should
propose whatever partnership strategy they deem effective to meet the
objectives outlined in the NOFO.”<br>
Another bidder asked if it was OK to use pseudonyms for staff and
partners and later share the real names with USAID using a secure
platform such as Signal. The agency replied:<br>
“USAID acknowledges the sensitive nature of this program. Applicants
should take this into consideration when submitting applications in
response to the NOFO.”<br>
The full list of questions and USAID’s answers are below:</p><p><strong>USAID NOFO No. 7200AA21RFA00024</strong><br>
<strong>Supporting Local Civil Society and Human Rights in Cuba</strong><br>
<strong>Questions & Answers</strong></p><p>Question #1: The NOFO
states, “Under this award and subject to the availability of funds,
USAID intends to provide up to $2 million in total USAID funding over a
three-year period. USAID anticipates one to two awards ranging from
$500,000 to $1 million each.” Can USAID please provide guidance as to
how they are envisioning the price component of this award? Is USAID
conceptualizing these as separate price categories ($500,000 and under,
and $1 million and under)? Can USAID please provide guidance to bidders
regarding acceptable minimum thresholds within these two price
categories?</p><p>Answer #1: There are no minimum thresholds. Applicants
should propose budgets to achieve the results of their proposed
programs within the limits stated. Since applicants propose their own
programs, USAID does not establish minimums as each applicant proposes
their own project and approach.</p><p>Question #2: Page 35 of the NOFO
provides guidance regarding USAID’s evaluation of forthcoming bids,
namely stating that the overall rating for proposals will “be evaluated
in order of descending importance: technical approach, organizational
capability, management structure and staffing plan.” The overall rating
does not factor in price according to USAID’s schematic. Moreover, USAID
additionally states on page 35 of the solicitation that the “agency
will evaluate the cost application…to determine whether the costs are
allowable in accordance with the cost principles found in 2 CFR 200
Subpart E.” These statements by USAID imply that underpricing proposal
offers will NOT be a factor in USAID’s evaluation of forthcoming
proposals. Will USAID commit to the non-inclusion of underpricing as a
factor in proposal evaluations for the purposes of this solicitation?</p><p>Answer
#2: USAID will review the cost application and evaluate and analyze
specific elements of costs for reasonableness and allowability of costs
in the budget, and the allowability of the costs under the applicable
cost principles. The review of the proposed budget is to determine the
applicant’s understanding of the financial aspects of the program and
the recipient’s ability to perform the grant activities within the
amount requested and whether the applicant’s plans will achieve the
program objectives with reasonable economy and efficiency.</p><p>Question
#3: The NOFO states “The Office of Cuban Affairs of the USAID Bureau
for Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC/Cuba) reserves the right to
lessen the scope or reduce costs as appropriate.” Can USAID please
clarify under what circumstances LAC/Cuba may lessen the scope or reduce
costs? Can Lac/Cuba refer bidders to USAID’s guiding directives
outlining requisite protocols and procedures for these kinds of
circumstances should they occur?</p><p>Answer #3: This statement relates
to the availability of funds for the fiscal year. It is at USAID’s sole
discretion to ultimately decide on the final amount of any awards
issued.</p><p>Question #4: Given the current uprising by Cuban citizens
against the regime, do you plan to issue an amendment to the
solicitation that may further address those developments?</p><p>Answer
#4: No, there are no plans to amend the original scope or objectives of
the NOFO in response to recent events in Cuba. Applicants should take
the current political situation into account when designing proposed
activities.</p><p>Question #5: Given the current situation on the
island, will USAID be issuing an extension for submission of proposals
beyond the July 30, 2021 closing date?</p><p>Answer #5: No, the closing date of July 30, 2021, remains unchanged for the NOFO.</p><p>Questions #6: Can the project be proposed as an activity shorter than 36 months?</p><p>Answer #6: Yes. See Section B(3) of the NOFO for details.</p><p>Question #7: Given the context of protests in Cuba, have any changes in the NOFO been foreseen?</p><p>Answer
#7: No, there are no changes or plans to amend the original scope or
objectives of the NOFO in response to recent events in Cuba. Applicants
should take the current political situation into account when designing
proposed activities.</p><p>Question #8: Is it possible to include in the proposal advocacy activities and promotion of artistic pieces outside Cuba?</p><p>Answer
#8: Applicants should propose whatever strategies they deem most
effective in achieving the stated objectives of the NOFO.</p><p>Question
#9: Is it necessary to adjust the proposal to only one of the two
objectives or can we foresee activities that contribute to both
objectives?</p><p>Answer #9: Applicants may apply to one or both objectives in the NOFO.</p><p><a href="http://cubamoneyproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/IMG_9267-copy.jpg"><img src="http://cubamoneyproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/IMG_9267-copy.jpg" alt="" style="margin-right: 0px;" width="435" height="290"></a>Question
#10: We understand that the project can have a maximum extension of 36
months. What would be the minimum extension, if any?</p><p>Answer #10:
As stated in Section B.3, the maximum period of performance is up to 36
months. USAID does not anticipate any extensions at this time.</p><p>Question
#11: NOFO Page 16 Section 4: Please confirm application submission will
be only by email and not through the grants platform.</p><p>Answer #11: Yes. Applications must be submitted electronically to <a href="mailto:mamunoz@usaid.gov">mamunoz@usaid.gov</a></p><p>Question
#12: NOFO Page 23 Annex 7 Organization Matrix of Projects and Page 28
h) History of Performance. Can these 2 pieces be consolidated into one
single detail?</p><p>Answer #12: No.</p><p>Question #13: NOFO Page 24 c)
Required Certification and Assurances: Please confirm these
certifications are to be prepared only upon USAID request. Besides, is
SF-424B mandatory as it is also mentioned in item b) SF424B Forms ?</p><p>Answer
#13: Yes. The Certifications and Assurances are submitted upon request
by the AO. The SF424 B is a mandatory form, see Amendment 1 (Synopsis 2)
for details.</p><p>Question #14: NOFO Page 25 Subawards: Would this
section be the one applicable for a partnership with a US based NGO
implementing part of the project ? And how about potential Contribution
Agreements (microgrants) to individuals living in Cuba to perform part
of the core activities in-country? These people are mainly artists who
belong to relevant CSOs in the island, but such CSOs are not allowed to
legally exist, and also considering Procurement goods and services is
not always feasible in normal conditions without risk exposure.</p><p>Answer
#14: Please see Section C.3 for additional information on
“Partnerships.” Applicants should propose whatever partnership strategy
they deem effective to meet the objectives outlined in the NOFO.</p><p>Questions
#15: Can USAID please confirm if the Technical Approach section of the
proposal can be longer than eight pages, if the Executive Summary
section is shorter than two pages, as long as the Technical Application
(minus annexes) is ten pages total?</p><p>Answer #15: No. The technical approach must not exceed eight pages. See Section 5 Technical Application Format of the NOFO.</p><p>Question
#16: On page 13, USAID mentions that “References for the past
performance of each partner organization should also be provided.” Can
USAID confirm that references only need to be included in Annex 6:
Organizational Capacity, and not within the ten page limit for the
Technical Application?</p><p>Answer #16: See Amendment 1 (Synopsis 2)
for details. Please follow the Business (Cost) Application Format
guidelines found on page 28 of the NOFO.</p><p>Question #17: On page 15,
USAID states that “A 10 point font can be used for graphs and charts.
Tables, however, must comply with the 12 point Times New Roman
requirement.” In the interest of ensuring relevant content fits within
page layout requirements and page limits, would USAID consider allowing
10 or 11 point font for Tables?</p><p>Answer #17: No.</p><p>Question
#18: On page 18, USAID mentions that the Technical Approach should
“Discuss…programming of human resources, and performance indicators.”
Can USAID please confirm that the staffing can be discussed in Annex 3:
Program Management Approach, and the indicators listed within Annex 2:
Draft Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plan?</p><p>Answer #18: Yes,
staffing can be discussed in Annex 3: Program Management Approach and
proposed indicators may be included in Annex 2: Draft Monitoring,
Evaluation, and Learning Plan.</p><p>Question #19: The NOFO provides
budget categories (starting on page 25), but budget category 6 is
missing (the numbering jumps from 5 to 7). Can USAID clarify what budget
category should be listed after subawards (5)?</p><p>Answer #19: Typographical error, see Amendment 1 (Synopsis 2) for details.</p><p>Question
#20: Given the amount of information required for the Monitoring,
Evaluation & Learning Annex, we respectfully request that the
Results Framework may be submitted as a separate section of the annex
that is not included in the page limit.</p><p>Answer #20: Please follow
the Technical Application Format guidelines found on page 19 of the
NOFO. A final MEL Plan, including the Results Framework, will be due
within 90 days of a signed award agreement.</p><p>Question #21: On page
19, USAID mentions that the Draft Implementation Plan should include
“The Implementation Plan should address any potential contingency plans
should activities be affected by the ongoing global pandemic and/or
other potential natural disasters.” Can USAID confirm if the applicant
can include a discussion of contingency measures separately, or how it
should be incorporated into a visual timeline, such as a GANTT chart?</p><p>Answer
#21: The Technical Approach narrative may include a discussion of
potential contingency plans should activities be affected by the ongoing
pandemic and/or other potential natural disasters. The timeline of any
planned activities — including back-up plans — should be reflected in
the Draft Implementation Plan.</p><p>Question #22: Under the Program
Management Plan description on page 21, USAID requests that applications
include a “statement of work, or terms of reference.” In order to
reduce repetition, and ensure compliance with page limits, can USAID
confirm if the statement of work for partners can be included in the
Technical Application or within the Program Management Plan, and if so,
which one USAID prefers?</p><p>Answer #22: It is already included under Annex 3. Program Management Approach, see page 19 – 22 of the NOFO.</p><p>Question
#23: Under the Program Management Plan description on page 21, USAID
requests that applications include: “The total estimated cost, including
a detailed line-item budget and budget narrative that also includes
proposed cost share, if applicable, and a copy of any current indirect
cost rate agreement between the U.S. Government and the sub-awardee.” In
order to reduce repetition, and ensure compliance with page limits, can
USAID confirm if applicants can submit all cost information for
partners within the Cost Application, which is not subject to page
limits?</p><p>Answer #23: Yes.</p><p>Question #24: Given the waiver for
Marking Requirements, can USAID please confirm if the applicant should
still submit a Branding Strategy and Marking Plan Annex as part of the
cost application?</p><p>Answer #24: No. Section i) states that “USAID
marking requirements have been waived for all LAC/Cuba program
activities in accordance with Approved USAID Memorandum, “Marking
Requirements Waiver for All Cuba Programs.”</p><p>Questions #25: Under
the Technical Application on page 23, USAID requires “Annex 7:
Organization Matrix of Projects (not to exceed two pages)” and on page
28 under the Cost Application USAID requires “h) History of
Performance.” In order to reduce repetition, and ensure compliance, can
USAID confirm whether both or only one of these are required? If only
one or the other is required, can USAID confirm which one?</p><p>Answer #25: Both are required.</p><p>Question
#26: Given the sensitive nature of this program and security
considerations for potential partners and staff, could USAID please
confirm if offerors may include pseudonyms for select staff and partners
in the proposal (e.g., labeling a potential partner as “organization
#1”) and share the pertinent information separately with USAID through a
secure platform such as Signal?</p><p>Answer #26: USAID acknowledges
the sensitive nature of this program. Applicants should take this into
consideration when submitting applications in response to the NOFO.</p><p>Question #27: Can USAID please confirm if offerors may put forward and name more than the two required key personnel?</p><p>Answer #27: No. See Section A.3. Management Structure and Staffing Plan, paragraph (4) of the NOFO for details.</p><p>Question
#28: Given the evolving situation in Cuba which has led to internet and
electricity outages and hampered communication with local partners,
would USAID consider extending the deadline for proposal submissions by
two weeks, with a new proposed deadline of August 13, 5:00 PM Eastern
Time, in order to allow for maximum flexibility to coordinate with and
incorporate input from local partners?</p><p>Answer #28: No, the closing date of July 30, 2021 remains unchanged for the NOFO.</p><p>Questions
#29: Can USAID please confirm that h ) History of Performance
referenced on page 28 of the NOFO is the same as Annex 7: Organization
Matrix of Projects to be included with the technical volume?</p><p>Answer #29: No, they are not the same.</p><p>Question
#30: Given the ongoing protests and demonstrations in Cuba, would USAID
consider making changes to the published RFA, such as extending the due
date by 30 days?”</p><p>Answer #30: No, the closing date of July 30,
2021 remains unchanged for the NOFO. Question 31 : Pages 5-6, Section A:
Program Description, 4. Objectives and Activities: “To advance the
goal, USAID proposes two objectives: a. Advance the effectiveness of
independent civil society groups to advocate for greater human rights
and freedoms … b. Develop broader coalitions to expand civil society’s
impact.” Can USAID please confirm that applicants can choose to respond
to only one objective of the proposal?</p><p>Answer #31: Applicants may apply to one or both objectives in the NOFO.</p><p>Question
#32: Page 15, Section D: Application and Submission Information, 3.
General Content and Form of Application: A 10-point font can be used for
graphs and charts. Tables, however, must comply with the 12-point Times
New Roman requirement. Using the same size font for tables and text
makes tables hard to read, as the text is all the same size and not
clearly set off from the rest of the page. Would USAID consider allowing
offerors to use a 10-point font for tables?</p><p>Answer #32: No.</p><p>Question
#33: Page 23, Section D: Application and Submission Information, 5.
Technical Application Format, Application Contents: Annex 7.
Organization Matrix of Projects (not to exceed two pages): “The
Applicant must provide a matrix of all its contracts, grants, or
cooperative agreements involving similar or related programs during the
past three years. The reference information for these awards must
include the performance location; title of award; brief description of
the work performed; and dates of performance.” Pages 28-29, Section D:
Application and Submission Information, 6. Business (Cost) Application
Format, h) History of Performance: “The applicant must provide
information regarding its recent history of performance for all its
cost-reimbursement contracts, grants, or cooperative agreements
involving similar or related programs, not to exceed three years, as
follows: a. Name of the Awarding Organization; b. Award Number; c.
Activity Title; d. Performance Location; e. A brief description of the
activity; f. Period of Performance; g. Award Amount; h. Reports and
findings from any audits performed in the last two years; and i. Name of
at least two (2) updated professional contacts who most directly
observed the work at the organization for which the service was
performed with complete current contact information including telephone
number, and e-mail address for each proposed individual.”</p><p>Question #33a: Can USAID please clarify the difference between these two lists?</p><p>Answer #33a: One is related to experience and the other is related to past performance.</p><p>Question
#33b: Considering that a complete list of all cost-reimbursement
contracts, grants, or cooperative agreements involving similar or
related programs during the past three years could be substantial, would
USAID consider removing the two-page limit for Annex 7 to the technical
application?</p><p>Answer #33b: No. Applicants should be able to
demonstrate relevant experience in two pages. Question 33c: Can USAID
please confirm that the History of Performance section (referenced on
pages 28-29) will not be evaluated as it is part of the Business (cost)
application?</p><p>Answer #33c: Yes.</p><p>Question 34: Page 23, Section
D: Application and Submission Information, 5. Technical Application
Format, Application Contents: “Annex 8. Cuba Commodities List (not to
exceed two pages, if applicable)” Can USAID please confirm whether the
Cuba Commodities List is required if the Applicant does not intend to
provide commodities during the proposed program?</p><p>Answer #34: If
the applicant does not intend to provide them, it should state “the
applicant does not intend to provide commodities.”</p><p>Question #35:
Pages 24-25, Section 6: Business (Cost) Application Format, d) Budget
and Budget Narrative: “The Budget must include the following worksheets
or tabs, and contents, at a minimum… Detailed Budgets for each
sub-recipient, for all federal funding and cost share, broken out by
budget category and by year, for the entire implementation period of the
project.” Given current circumstances in the country, there is a
possibility that communication with partners may be inconsistent. Can
USAID confirm if detailed budgets must be included for all
sub-recipients, or if these are “preferred, if available” at the time of
submission?</p><p>Answer #35: Yes. It must include detailed budgets.</p><p>Question #36: Given the current context in Cuba, is USAID considering an extension of the deadline for submission of this NOFO?</p><p>Answer #36: No, the closing date of July 30, 2021 remains unchanged for the NOFO.</p></div></div></div>
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